OKEHAMPTON 7pts TRURO 11pts
STARVED of good away results in the past couple of seasons, this result against a very good Okehampton side represents an encouraging psychological milestone in the rehabilation of Truro .
Okehampton have enjoyed a summer under the tutelage of new recruits Luxton ( player/coach ) and Langbridge (captain) both Cornish All Black favourites of last season. They are working towards an abrasive and power-based playing style which emulates the vastly successful Launceston teams of the 90s.
It was this style, fuelled by a hostile and vocal home crowd which brought bemused looks from Truro's "young bucks" inclusive of an all-teenage front row.
In the tenth minute, sustained pressure helped Okehampton breach Truro's midfield defence enabling fly half Andy Brimmacombe to deservedly score and convert from in front of the posts.
However, Oke's adrenalin-based start was bound to fade and Truro became ever-aware that they were more than a match for their opponents. Oke's scrummage, obviously a focal point of their game plan, was repeatedly disrupted and even turned over on three occasions by the Truro pack.
Special mention must go to teenage loose-head prop Mark Carlyon whose courage, strength and strategy frustrated the much-vaunted Langbridge and led to some priceless and colourful banter as "Langers" appealed for the referee's intervention on technical issues but firmly told to "get on with it."
The second quarter saw Truro applying considerable pressure on the Okes and a try-line scramble and charge-down by all-action Truro skipper Marco Danielli enabled Jamie Woolcock to score for the city side. The conversion was missed.
The break saw Truro down seven points to five, but with a second half advantage of slope, breeze and the sun on their backs. Truro held a slight edge in an equally passionate and physical second period.
Okehampton's goal-line misdemeanours around the contact area were punished by full-back Scott Martin. He kicked two penalties and gave an impeccable line-kicking display.
The game came to a frantic climax as both sides battered each other without mercy, but the final whisle saw a bruised but proud Truro outfit reflecting on a good day at the office. They knew that few sides will enjoy away league success against this warrior-like Okehampton team.
Truro: S Martin, M Patterson, J Williamson, D Duncan, L Trescothick, R Martin, J Woolcock (R Brandham, 55m), M Carlyon (D Hoare, 70m), A-J Geach (M Stuart, 65), I Scoble, S Parker, R Tucker, M Danielli (capt), S Rosevear, J Allen.
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